Vaccinations before school starts

As unpleasant as they may be, getting vaccinations for your kids is as important as purchasing back-to-school clothes and supplies.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is reminding families to make sure their children get their required vaccinations before school starts, whether they are just entering school, or returning.
The required vaccinations for school entry are those protecting against life-threatening diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, pertussis (whooping cough) and chicken pox.
All children entering school must show a proof of a complete medical evaluation. Children in day care, pre-K, or kindergarten through grade 12 who do not meet these requirements, will not be allowed to attend school, which starts on September 4 this year.
The new requirements for the 2007-2008 school year include the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) for students entering 6th grade who are at least 11 years old, and a chicken pox vaccine for children in day care, pre-K, and kindergarten through 4th grade, or 6th through 8th. It is the first year the Tdap vaccine is required, and the first time it is recommended that children receive two doses of the varicella vaccine to prevent chicken pox.
Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to prevent childhood diseases. Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, all New Yorkers should get up-to-date with their immunizations.
Dr. Jane R. Zucker, Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Immunization at DOHMH, says, “School vaccination requirements protect your child and all students against preventable, life-threatening diseases. Now is the time to make a doctor’s appointment to get up-to-date. If you don’t have insurance or need a provider, call 3-1-1 to find a vaccination clinic.”
Check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccinations they need. Children ages 4 and older can get the required vaccinations at Health Department walk-in immunization clinics. For locations, visit https://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/imm/immclin.shtml. The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) also offer childhood immunizations at Child Health Centers around the city. For locations, visit https://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/community/childhealth.shtml.
For information about your family’s immunization requirements, to obtain a copy of your child’s immunization record or to locate the nearest immunization clinic by calling 3-1-1.